Multi-Functional Bag

ABSTRACT

A multi-functional bag includes a prism-shaped main body, a carrying handle, and at least one fold-out reception flap. The main body is comprised of an upper lid and a lower receptacle. The lower receptacle defines an upper open end. The upper lid is foldably attached to the lower receptacle at first location of the upper open end, and the upper lid is further releasably attachable to the lower receptacle at a second location of the upper open end thereof. The carrying handle is attached to the main body. Each fold-out reception flap is respectively attached to a portion of the open end edge of the lower receptacle not carrying the upper lid. Further, each fold-out reception flap defines a flap length, the flap length being longer than a largest cross-sectional dimension of the lower receptacle. Each fold-out reception flap is extendable and retractable relative to the lower receptacle.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of commonly-assigned U.S. Ser. No. 13/487,818, filed Jun. 4, 2012, which, in turn, claims foreign priority to CN 201220176468.2, filed Apr. 24, 2012. The contents of U.S. Ser. No. 13/487,818, as originally filed, are hereby incorporated by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a multi-functional bag, and more particularly, to a multi-functional bag which can be taken along conveniently.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Cosmetic bags are used to accommodate mascara, lipsticks, powder foundation, eyebrow pencils, sunblock foundation, facial absorbent paper, and the like. The cosmetic bags can be categorizes as a professional cosmetic bag, a travel cosmetic bag and a domestic cosmetic bag. The professional cosmetic bag has many functions, many partitions and storage rooms, and is designed for cosmetologists. The travel cosmetic bag is designed to take along conveniently. It has few partitions, but its function is okay for the user to put the cosmetics in common use. There are many various domestic cosmetic bags on the markets. Small domestic cosmetic bags are usually as gifts when consumers purchase cosmetics. A conventional cosmetic bag has a single function only and it is not convenient to take along. Also, such bags are typically not designed particularly to be thermally insulating, even though many cosmetics are susceptible to exposure to warmer temperatures.

Temperature is an important factor to preserve food. During transportation, the quality of the food may be influenced because the temperature is too high or too low. Thus, thermally insulated bags are often used for lunch boxes. While such insulated lunch bags may incorporate additional pouches, the space tends to be limited to a pouch on the front of the bag or in the zipper lid thereof, even though the lunch box may be used to carry a variety of items (e.g., food, utensils, etc.).

Further, there are other examples of bags or cases that are used to carry an array of items. Some examples of those are first aid kits, tool boxes, fishing tackle boxes, and sewing kits. However, even though those sorts of containers may provide means for storing various items within the limited available space, they can have accessibility issues. As such, there are a variety of applications where a multi-functional bag that maximizes both space and accessibility concerns could prove useful.

Accordingly, the present invention intends to provide a multi-functional bag for improving the shortcomings mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional bag, which may also be considered to be a carrying case, to overcome the problems of the prior art. The multi-functional bag, when provided with thermally insulating features per one embodiment, can help maintain the temperature for cosmetics or food at a desired level longer, positively influencing the “quality lifetime” thereof. Further, it is easy to use and manage the bag. The bag maximizes the use of its available space to accommodate more articles, yet it is able to promote accessibility to those items.

Multi-function bags are typically worn by a harness or strap which secures the bag frame to the wearers back or shoulders. However, such prior art bags may become inconvenient when accessing the internal matter. Most bags must be taken off the back or shoulder to access the internal matter. With the present invention, however, the unique triangular design allows the bag to be appropriately placed in the lap, for example, for convenient access to internal matter. When being accessed while in the user's lap, it has the additional advantage of the fact that the side fold-out reception flaps (e.g., foldable flaps with built-in carrying pouches or other receiving elements) (e.g., two such flaps) are able to unfold from the interior of the bag and then extend over the legs to secure the bag in place while in use in this manner.

The unique shape not only provides convenience but also provides usability to those persons who cannot carry bags over the back or shoulder due to personal impairment. The typical prior art bag does not accommodate persons that are required to use wheelchairs for example. Thus, the present multi-functional bag can be conveniently accessed and managed from the sitting position.

Further, even if the present multi-functional bag were provided with an additional harness or strap to facilitate the carrying thereof, that harness or strap would not necessarily interfere with its advantageous accessibility. Accordingly, the provision of a harness or strap for carrying, while not considered to be part of the primary embodiment, would be within the scope of the present multi-functional bag. It is to be understood, however, that such a carrying strap or other form of a handle should not significantly interfere with the lap-use and/or flap-accessibility features thereof.

The multi-functional bag of the present invention comprises, in one embodiment, a pillar-shaped or, more particularly, a prism-shaped (e.g., a triangular prism) main body composed of an upper cover lid and a lower receptacle (e.g., pouch, container), a zipper, a carrying handle, at least one fold-out reception flap, a thermal lid insulation portion, and, optionally, a detachable and/or insertable liner, which may provide, for example, thermal insulation and/or structural support. The upper cover lid and the lower receptacle are connected by the zipper. The carrying handle is disposed at a top of the upper cover. The lower receptacle defines at least three receptacle sides and a receptacle bottom, with each receptacle side having a corresponding free upper edge. The receptacle sides and the receptacle side together define a receptacle interior.

A multi-functional bag, in another embodiment, includes a prism-shaped main body, a carrying handle, and at least one fold-out reception flap. The main body is comprised of an upper lid and a lower receptacle. The lower receptacle defines an upper open end. The upper lid is foldably attached to the lower receptacle at first location of the upper open end, and the upper lid is further releasably attachable to the lower receptacle at a second location of the upper open end thereof. The carrying handle is attached to the main body. Each fold-out reception flap is respectively attached to a portion of the open end edge of the lower receptacle not carrying the upper lid. Further, each fold-out reception flap defines a flap length, the flap length being longer than a largest cross-sectional dimension of the lower receptacle. Each fold-out reception flap is extendable and retractable relative to the lower receptacle.

The upper cover lid is foldably connected (e.g., via a direct or hinge connection) relative to a first free upper edge associated with a first receptacle side and has a lower lid face which is capable of facing the lower receptacle when folded theretowards. The lower lid face has the thermal lid insulation portion attached thereto. A second upper free edge associated with a second receptacle side has a first fold-out reception flap connected thereto. Each fold-out reception flap is extendable and retractable relative to the lower receptacle. In particular, a given fold-out reception flap is able to be essentially fully contained within the lower receptacle when retracted thereinto. The liner may be inserted into the lower receptacle and further may be attached to the receptacle interior. The thermal lid insulation portion, which may be optional in some embodiments, corresponds in shape and size to the upper cover lid.

In one version, the prism-shaped main body has a triangular cross-section. It is to be understood that the prism shape could, more broadly, be any polyhedron having parallel, polygonal, and congruent bases and sides that are parallelograms. The triangular shape is illustrated herein because it does offer the advantage of easily being fitted between a user's legs while the user is in a sitting position.

In one version, at least two free upper edges of two corresponding receptacle sides have a respective fold-out reception flap connected (e.g., foldably, hingedly, etc.) thereto. The fold-out reception flaps are extendable away from the lower receptacle in different respective directions.

In one version, the fold-out reception flaps are rectangular, with the fold-out reception flaps each being longer than the width of the lower receptacle. The fold-out reception flaps may be provided with any various carrying elements (for example, pockets (e.g., open or closable), loops, sleeves, etc.) that may maximize the carrying functionality of the flaps.

In one version, the carrying handle is disposed at one of the vertexes of the upper cover lid. The carrying handle may take the form of a loop handle. Alternatively, the carrying handle could take the form of a carrying strap (e.g., akin to a purse handle or strap) anchored at one or more vertices of either the upper cover lid or the lower receptacle (i.e., mounting locations chosen so as to not interfere with the deployment of a given fold-out reception flap).

In one version, the prism-shaped main body has at least an outer layer made of waterproof material. In another version, the prism-shaped body is made substantially of a rigid, waterproof material such as a plastic, and is provided with foldable portions (e.g., creases) or other hinge portions, where needed for the appropriate functionality. A top lid of such an embodiment could, for example, be provided with a zipper closing to the lower receptacle or could otherwise be releasably fixed thereto (e.g., snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, clasps, etc.).

In one version, the liner is attached to the receptacle interior through hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., such as those available under the trade name “Velcro”). The liner could, for example, be in the form of a stiff plastic liner, which could provide a thermal barrier, act as structural support for the bag, and be readily washable. In another instance the liner could be designed to provide more of a thermally insulating layer (e.g., a foam layer encased in a layer of thin plastic to make for easier cleaning).

In one version, a given fold-out reception flap defines a plurality of pockets therein. More broadly, the fold-out reception flaps may be provided with any various carrying elements (for example, pockets (e.g., open; or releasably closed), loops, sleeves, etc.) that may maximize the carrying functionality of the flaps.

Compared to the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages.

1. The triangular shape version of the present bag is conducive to placement between the thighs while sitting, with the fold-out reception flaps being able to be extended outward onto/over the user's thighs. As such, if the bag is used, for example, to carry cosmetics, it can readily used to facilitate application of make up anywhere and anytime while sitting.

2. The design is efficient. The cosmetics or other items (e.g., such as those found in tool kits, first aid bags, tackle boxes, sewing kits, etc.) can be classified systematically for management.

3. The capacity of the bag is efficiently employed to accommodate more articles in a confined space.

4. The bag may be, in one embodiment, be provided with thermal insulating features to keep the temperature and moisture at a level in order to ensure the quality of the cosmetics or food in the bag.

5. The material of the bag may be waterproof and dustproof, permitting the bag to be easily cleaned.

6. The design is fashionable, environmental-friendly (e.g., reusable), and simple. The fold-out reception flaps are designed to be stored within the lower receptacle, protecting the flaps when not in use, and minimizing the space occupied by the bag when the flaps are not deployed.

7. The bag can be taken along conveniently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a closed state;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open state;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the inside of the multi-functional bag according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open state; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the thermal liner taken out from the multi-functional bag according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

FIG. 5 is a three dimensional view of the preferred embodiment in an open state.

FIG. 6 is a three dimensional view of the preferred embodiment in a closed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, the multi-functional bag B (which may be considered a carrying case, as well) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pillar-shaped or, more particularly, a prism-shaped main body composed of an upper cover or lid 1 and a lower receptacle 2, a zipper 3, a carrying handle 4, and a fold-out reception flap 5, and may yet further provide for a thermal lid insulation portion 7 and/or a detachable liner 6 (which could be a thermal liner). The upper lid 1 and the lower receptacle 2 are hingedly and/or foldably connected to one another along one common edge and further may be releasable connected to one another via at least another common edge, as seen in, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2. The releasble connection may be in the form of the zipper 3, as illustrated, or another connective means (not shown), such as at least one of a hook-and-loop fastener, a latch, or a snap.

The carrying handle 4 may be disposed, for example, at the top of the upper lid 1, as shown. The carrying handle 4 may, in one variation, be a loop handle. Alternatively, the carrying handle 4 could take the form (not illustrated) of a carrying strap (e.g., akin to a purse handle or strap) anchored to either the upper lid 4 or the lower receptacle 2. In a more particular embodiment, the carrying handle 4 may be anchored at one or more vertices (not expressly shown) of the upper lid 4 or the lower receptacle 2 (e.g., mounting locations chosen, for example, so as to not interfere with the deployment of a given fold-out reception flap and/or so as to facilitate ease of carrying).

The upper lid 1, as stated above, may have thermal lid insulation portion 7 attached thereto or otherwise incorporated therewith. The thermal lid insulation portion 7, in the version shown, is carried by the upper lid 1 in such a manner so as to face the lower receptacle 2, when the upper lid 1 is fastened to the lower receptacle (i.e., the inner side of the upper lid 1, defined relative to the closed state of the multipurpose bag B). It is to be understood, however, that upper lid 1 could, for example, be made of an insulating material itself, eliminating the need for a separate insulating portion or be of a three layer construct (not shown) where the insulating material is the middle layer. Further, the insulating features may not be needed for some variations of the multi-functional bag B, as discussed elsewhere, in which case the thermally insulating features (i.e., thermal liner 6 and/or thermal lid insulation portion 7) would not be included.

The upper edge of at least one side of the lower receptacle 2 is connected with the fold-out reception flap 5. The fold-out reception flap 5 can be extended or retracted relative to the lower receptacle 2 and has a flap length that is longer than a largest cross-sectional dimension of the lower receptacle 2. That is a given fold-out reception flap 5 needs to bent, folded, condensed, etc., in order to fit into the lower receptacle 2. Each fold-out reception flap (5) is configured for being retracted into the lower receptacle (2) upon closure of the upper lid (1) relative to the lower receptacle (2). That is, upon retraction, the upper lid (1) can be releasably fastened to the lower receptacle (2) at a location other than the permanent, foldable connection therebetween, as the fold-out reception flap(s) (5) will be out of the way.

The liner 6 may be attached (e.g., via hook-and-loop fasteners) to the inner wall of the lower receptacle 2 or may simply slidably fit therein (e.g., possibly a snug or force fit with the inner wall of the lower receptacle 2 to aid retention). The liner 6 could, for example, be in the form of a stiff plastic liner, which could, for example, serve as a thermal barrier, act as structural support for the bag, and be readily washable. It is to be understood that such a liner 6 could prove useful in circumstances that don't necessarily require thermal insulation (e.g., art supply kit, fishing tackle box, etc.). In another instance the liner could be designed to provide more of a thermally insulating layer (e.g., a foam layer encased in a layer of thin plastic to make for easier cleaning). The thermal lid insulation portion 7 corresponds in shape and size to the top of the liner 6 in order to facilitate, where appropriate, a good thermal barrier.

The prism-shaped main body of the multi-functional bag of the present invention has at least one extendable fold-out reception flap 5 associated with one or more respective both sides thereof. Per the illustrated embodiment, the special two wings or flaps 5 can be used to accommodate any various items (not illustrated), e.g., cosmetics, food items, utensils, first aid kit items, fishing lures and hooks, thread and needles, etc., both when they are extended and then received in the prism-shaped main body. Through this configuration, which includes the desired flap length (discussed above), the present invention can better manage the use of the space within the multi-purpose bag B to accommodate more items, making it more convenient to take a greater number of items along within the space available.

When the multi-functional bag is closed, the thermal lid insulation portion 7 and the liner 6 may be substantially sealed to preserve the cosmetics or the food in the bag. The inner space of the bag (e.g., via the upper lid 1 and/or lower receptacle 2, in addition to or alternatively to the thermal lid insulation portion 7 and the liner 6) may provide thermal insulation (retaining heat or maintaining a cool environment, as desired) and/or moisture-proof effects.

The prism-shaped main body, in the illustrated embodiment, has a triangular cross-section and a vertex at an angle of 30 degrees to 50 degrees, which conforms to ergonomics to be placed on the inner sides of both thighs while the user is in a sitting position. In this embodiment, the upper outer edges of the two sides of the lower receptacle 2 that meet at the vertex are connected with the respective fold-out reception flaps 5. The connection could, for example, be an integral, formed connection therebetween or a link established by a separate hinge connection. The respective fold-out reception flaps 5 can be extended in different directions (e.g., each across a different thigh of a sitting user), thus facilitating, if desired, access to the lower receptacle 2. The entire shape of the present invention conforms to ergonomics and is convenient for use.

Both the fold-out reception flaps 5 are, in the illustrated embodiment, rectangular, but other flap shapes could prove useful in certain circumstances and such would be within the scope of this system. The carrying handle 4, in the illustrated version, is disposed at one of the vertexes of the upper cover 1. The liner 6 may be attached to the inner wall of the lower receptacle 2, such as through hook and loop fasteners, or it may simply slidably fit therein,. The fold-out reception flap 5, in the illustrated version, is divided into a plurality of pockets. More broadly, it is to be understood that the fold-out reception flaps 5 may be provided with any various carrying elements (for example, pockets (e.g., open; or releasably closed), loops, sleeves, etc.).

The prism-shaped main body may, for example, have an outer surface made of a water-resistant and, more particularly, an essentially waterproof material. The water-resistant outer surface may be provided by a rigid, heavy-gauge plastic, to promote durability and to maintain the desired shape of multi-purpose bag B (i.e., a stand-alone material). In other instances, where comfort may be a greater issue, the multi-purpose bag B may have thin plastic outer and inner layers encasing a generally soft structural material (e.g., a foam material, which could also serve as insulation). That sort of construction would provide enough structural integrity to keep a substantially prism shape but otherwise provide for a soft-sided, water-resistant carrying case. Other constructions that provide the desired water-resistance while substantially maintaining the desired overall shape of the body would be within the scope of the present multi-purpose bag B. The sort of construction described herein could apply to either or both of the upper lid (1) and the lower receptacle (2).

In one embodiment, the multi-functional bag B includes a prism-shaped main body, a carrying handle 4, and at least one fold-out reception flap 5. The prism-shaped main body includes an upper lid (1) and a lower receptacle (2). The lower receptacle (2) defines an upper open end, and the upper open end defining an open end cross-section and a plurality of open end edges. The upper lid (1) is foldably attached to a first open end edge of the lower receptacle (2). The upper lid (1) has a shape that is substantially the same as the open end cross-section of the lower receptacle (2). The upper lid (1) is further releasably attachable to at least one open end edge other than the first open end edge of the lower receptacle (2). The carrying handle (4) is attached to the main body. Each fold-out reception flap (5) is respectively attached to a respective open end edge of the lower receptacle (2) other than the first open end edge. Each fold-out reception flap (5) defines a flap length, with the flap length being longer than a largest cross-sectional dimension of the upper open end of the lower receptacle (2). Each fold-out reception flap (5) is extendable and retractable relative to the lower receptacle (2). Finally, each fold-out reception flap (5) is configured for being retracted into the lower receptacle (2) prior to closure of the upper lid (1) relative to the lower receptacle (2).

In another embodiment, the multi-functional bag (B) or carry case may be considered to include a prism-shaped main body, a carrying handle (4), and at least one fold-out reception flap (5). The prism-shaped main body is comprised of an upper lid (1) and a lower receptacle (2). The lower receptacle (2) defines an upper open end. The upper lid (1) is foldably attached to the lower receptacle (2) at first location of the upper open end, and the upper lid (1) is further releasably attachable to the lower receptacle (2) at a second location of the upper open end thereof. The carrying handle (4) is attached to the main body. Each fold-out reception flap (5) is respectively attached to a portion of the open end edge of the lower receptacle (2) not carrying the upper lid (1). Further, each fold-out reception flap (5) defines a flap length, the flap length being longer than a largest cross-sectional dimension of the lower receptacle (2). Each fold-out reception flap (5) is extendable and retractable relative to the lower receptacle (2) and is configured for being retracted into the lower receptacle (2) prior to closure of the upper lid (1) relative to the lower receptacle (2).

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-functional bag, comprising: a prism-shaped main body comprised of an upper lid (1) and a lower receptacle (2), the lower receptacle (2) defining an upper open end, the upper open end defining an open end cross-section and a plurality of open end edges, the upper lid (1) being foldably attached to a first open end edge of the lower receptacle (2), the upper lid (1) having a shape that is substantially the same as the open end cross-section of the lower receptacle (2), the upper lid (1) being further releasably attachable to at least one open end edge other than the first open end edge of the lower receptacle (2); a carrying handle (4) attached to the main body; and at least one fold-out reception flap (5), each fold-out reception flap (5) being attached to a respective open end edge of the lower receptacle (2) other than the first open end edge, each fold-out reception flap (5) defining a flap length, the flap length being longer than a largest cross-sectional dimension of the upper open end of the lower receptacle (2), each fold-out reception flap (5) being extendable and retractable relative to the lower receptacle (2), each fold-out reception flap (5) being configured for being retracted into the lower receptacle (2) prior to closure of the upper lid (1) relative to the lower receptacle (2).
 2. The multi-functional bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prism-shaped main body has a triangular cross-section.
 3. The multi-functional bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower receptacle (2) carries a plurality of the fold-out reception flaps (5), the fold-out reception flaps (5) being extendable in different respective directions.
 4. The multi-functional bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fold-out reception flaps (5) are rectangular.
 5. The multi-functional bag as claimed claim 1, wherein the carrying handle (4) is attached to the upper lid (1).
 6. The multi-functional bag as claimed claim 5, wherein the upper lid (1) defines a plurality of vertexes, the carrying handle (4) being disposed at one of vertexes of the upper lid (1).
 7. The multi-functional bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prism-shaped main body defines an outer surface that is comprised of a water-resistant material.
 8. The multi-functional bag as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a liner (6), the liner (6) being slidably insertable into the lower receptacle (2).
 9. The multi-functional bag as claimed in claim 8, wherein the liner (6) is comprised of a thermally insulating material.
 10. The multi-functional bag as claimed in claim 8, wherein the liner (6) is releasably attached to the interior of the lower receptacle (2).
 11. The multi-functional bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fold-out reception flap (5) defines a plurality of pockets.
 12. The multi-functional bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper lid (1) is releasably attachable to at least one open end edge other than the first open end edge of the lower receptacle (2) via a zipper (3).
 13. The multi-functional bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper lid (1) further has a thermal lid insulation portion (7) associated therewith.
 14. A multi-functional bag, comprising: a prism-shaped main body composed of an upper lid (1) and a lower receptacle (2), the lower receptacle (2) defining an upper open end, the upper lid (1) being foldably attached to the lower receptacle (2) at first location of the upper open end, the upper lid (1) being further releasably attachable to lower receptacle (2) at a second location the upper open end; and at least one fold-out reception flap (5), each fold-out reception flap (5) being respectively attached to a portion of the open end edge of the lower receptacle (2) not carrying the upper lid (1), each fold-out reception flap (5) defining a flap length, the flap length being longer than a largest cross-sectional dimension of the lower receptacle (2), each fold-out reception flap (5) being extendable and retractable relative to the lower receptacle (2), each fold-out reception flap (5) being configured for being retracted into the lower receptacle (2).
 15. The multi-functional bag as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a carrying handle (4) attached to the main body.
 16. The multi-functional bag as claimed in claim 14, wherein the prism-shaped main body has a triangular cross-section. 